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Face-to-Face Mediation Programs

In 1983, the Attorney General's Office pioneered the Face-to-Face (FTF) Mediation Program, adding a more formal mediation process to the continuum of services that help consumers resolve disputes. The Attorney General's Office currently funds 15 FTF community mediation programs serving more than two-thirds of the cities and towns and 49 District Courts throughout the Commonwealth.

AGO-funded programs are located in Beverly, Brockton, Brookline, Cambridge, Cape Cod, Framingham, Greenfield, Haverhill, Leominster, Lowell, New Bedford, Orange, Pittsfield, Somerville, Springfield, and Worcester. Similar to the Local Consumer Programs, they are funded by grants from the Attorney General's Office. They provide a traditional, face-to-face mediation service to support the resolution of consumer and landlord/tenant disputes.

The mediators are trained and certified in mediation skills and techniques in compliance with statutory requirements. Mediations are confidential and can be conducted at various stages of disputes. Consumers can seek mediation through a FTF program after an unsuccessful LCP mediation or before or after filing a complaint in the Small Claims Court.

FTF programs receive their cases from the Attorney General's Office and through referrals from the courts, community agencies, and LCPs. Mediation sessions are held at small claims courts, as well as at the FTF program's offices. Each program also recruits, trains, and supervises a pool of volunteer mediators.

The Attorney General's Office provides oversight and support of the FTF programs through program monitoring, technical support and training, and site visits.

A printable list of Face-to-Face Mediation Programs will be available after July 1st.

Service Area Includes District Courts of: Gloucester, Salem and Peabody (including the towns of Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Lynnfield, Middleton, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Peabody, Rockport, and Salem).